MSPs to raise concerns over delivery costs

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Articl ... 9?UserKey=

dornoch man’s holyrood petition prompts action
MSPs to raise concerns over delivery costs

By cameron Brooks

Published: 20/11/2008

MSPs are to raise concerns voiced by a Sutherland man about high delivery charges to communities in the Highlands and islands.

Holyrood’s public petitions committee will take up the issue with the UK Government, Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Chris Ferne, of Struie Road, Dornoch, lodged a petition at the Scottish Parliament in protest against high delivery charges in the region.

He claims he was told it would cost £220 to deliver three sheets of toughened plastic, measuring 3ft 6in by 2ft, to his home town. He said the economic and social development of the Highlands was being hampered by inflated delivery charges levied by courier companies.

Royal Mail has to provide a UK-wide postal service at an affordable flat rate. Private couriers are not bound by the same obligations, and it is not uncommon for companies to levy an additional charge for deliveries to areas such as the Highlands and islands.

Mr Ferne’s petition, which calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to investigate whether economic, business and social development is being constrained by the charges, has attracted 1,257 signatures so far.

Deputy committee convener John Farquhar Munro, Lib Dem MSP for Ross, Skye and Inverness West, said action must be taken to mitigate the charges – particularly to island communities – which were “quite excessive”.

He added: “This is quite a topical issue in many remote parts of the Highlands which are inaccessible for delivery by these courier services.

“This affects, not just Skye, but the west coast and remote glens and villages. You are talking a difference of delivery to the mainland and to Skye of £50 per package.”

Committee convener Labour MSP Frank McAveety said: “This cuts across one of two responsibilities at UK Government level, but I think we should raise the matter with Highlands and Islands Enterprise.”